Summer Camp for Adult Equestrians
Week 1 (Level 1 Riders)
Start Your Equestrian Journey
New to riding? Learned as a child and now returning as an adult? This is your perfect introduction.
Spend four immersive days developing foundational riding skills, building confidence around horses, and experiencing the equestrian lifestyle in a supportive, adult-focused environment.
Overview
This camp is designed to give beginner riders the strongest possible start. From essential horsemanship on the ground to the fundamentals in the saddle, our instructors will guide you every step of the way.
Our goal: have every rider confidently posting at the trot by the end of the weekend.
Posting is one of the most challenging early milestones in riding, and this program is built to help you learn it faster—with correct technique and confidence.
Between riding sessions, you’ll take part in educational workshops covering:
- Bits and tack
- Horse breeds
- Horse care and stable management
We also plan to include special demonstrations from equine professionals such as a farrier, veterinarian, or equine dentist.
Schedule
📅 Thursday, June 25 – Sunday, June 28
🕙 Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sample Daily Itinerary
Each day balances riding, horsemanship, and education—while allowing time to absorb and enjoy the experience.
10:00 AM – Arrival & Check-In
Meet your group and review the plan for the day.
10:15 AM – Horsemanship
Learn to safely catch, lead, groom, and tack your horse with instructor guidance.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Riding Lesson 1
- Mounting and safety basics
- Rein control and steering
- Introduction to leg aids
- Lunge line sessions for individualized instruction
12:30 PM – Lunch & Educational Session
Relax and learn through discussions or demonstrations on horse care and riding theory.
1:30 PM – Horse Prep
Return to the barn to groom and tack up for the afternoon.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Riding Lesson 2
Build on the morning session with continued skill development.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Wrap-Up & Horse Care
Untack, care for your horse, and review progress with your instructor.
Progression Focus
Throughout the camp, riders will progress from basic control to confidently:
- Steering and stopping
- Trotting
- Learning to post
Posting requires strength, balance, and timing—this will be a key focus of the week.
Evenings
We’ll aim to gather for optional group dinners at local restaurants. Plans will be flexible and based on group interest.
Notes
- Some riding sessions may extend closer to 2 hours depending on the day’s focus
- Additional time may be dedicated to horsemanship, theory, or guest demonstrations
The Horses
Ride a carefully selected group of horses suited to beginner riders, including:
- Steady, confidence-building types
- More forward horses as skills progress
Level Requirement
Level 1 Riders. Click here for a full description of our MRC Rider Levels.
Perfect for:
- First-time riders
- Riders returning after a long break
Facility
Train at a premier equestrian facility in Pine Plains, featuring:
- Indoor and outdoor arenas
- Cross-country field
- Miles of scenic trails
Located minutes from:
- Wethersfield Estate & Gardens
- Millbrook Horse Trials
What’s Included
- Horses matched to your ability
- Mounted and unmounted instruction
- 6 riding lessons
- Horsemanship and educational sessions
- Daily lunch
- A supportive group of adult riders
Not Included
Accommodations
We will connect riders ahead of time and provide options ranging from shared Airbnbs to local B&Bs and hotels.
Attire
- Casual riding attire
- Required: helmet, boots, gloves
Transportation
📍 Pine Plains
- ~98 miles north of Midtown Manhattan
- Accessible via Metro-North Railroad to Wassaic (20-minute drive)
- Carpooling available through the MRC rider network
Join the Summer Intensive
Build confidence, develop real skills, and immerse yourself in the world of horses—this is where your riding journey begins.